Rehabilitating Psoas Tendonitis: A Case Report

This case report describes the examination and physical therapy intervention for a woman with anterior hip pain whose medical diagnosis following magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was bilateral labral tears and psoas tendinitis. Her physical therapy evaluation revealed findings consistent with psoas tendonitis. Utilizing theories of neuromuscular patterning and knowledge of normal muscle function, the patient was successfully treated in physical therapy following six physical therapy sessions, once a week for 6 weeks. The patient was found to have an overactive psoas muscle, as indicated by hip flexion being the primary mover in her movement patterns, and dysfunctional abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Functionally based therapeutic exercise and electrical stimulation were used to reeducate the muscles of the abdomen, pelvic floor, and hips in order to create muscular balance and correct muscle dysfunction.     

Preventing sudden death on the athletic field: The emergency action plan

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in young athletes. Proper management of SCA in the athletic venue is critical. Preparation should include education and training, maintenance of emergency equipment and supplies, appropriate use of personnel, and the formation and implementation of an emergency action plan (EAP). The EAP should be specific to each individual athletic venue and encompass emergency personnel, emergency communication, emergency equipment, medical emergency transportation, and venue directions with map. With SCA, access to early defibrillation is essential. A target goal of under 5 minutes from time of collapse to first shock is strongly recommended. An automated external defibrillator should be part of standard emergency planning for coverage of athletic activities. Through development and implementation of an EAP, healthcare providers help to ensure that the athlete will have the best care provided when an emergency situation does arise.     

Activity-based Therapies in Spinal Cord Injury:: Clinical Focus and Empirical Evidence in Three Independent Programs

This article summarizes presentations of a symposium examining the potential impact of activity-based therapies (ABT) in promoting neurological and functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). The symposium addressed 3 key questions concerning activity-based therapy in SCI: (1) What clinical approaches are used? (2) Is there empirical evidence supporting efficacy of ABT in promoting neurological recovery and improving overall function, health, and quality of life? (3) What are the issues related to long-term viability of ABT?     

An Effective System of Surgical Treatment of Lymphedema

Background

Effective surgical treatments for lymphedema now can address the fluid and solid phases of the disease process. Microsurgical procedures, including lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), target the fluid component that predominates at earlier stages of the disease. Suction-assisted protein lipectomy (SAPL) addresses the solid component that typically presents later as chronic, nonpitting lymphedema of an extremity. We assess the outcomes of patients who underwent selective application of these three surgical procedures as part of an effective system to treat lymphedema.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of patients with lymphedema who underwent complete decongestive therapy followed by surgical treatment with SAPL, LVA, or VLNT. The primary outcomes measured were postoperative volume reduction (SAPL), daily requirement for compression garments and lymphedema therapy (VLNT and LVA), and the incidence of severe cellulitis.

Results

Twenty-six patients were included in the study, of which 10 underwent SAPL and 16 underwent LVA or VLNT. The average reduction of excess volume by SAPL was 3,212 mL in legs and 943 mL in arms, or a volume reduction of 87 and 111 %, respectively, when compared with the unaffected, opposite sides. Microsurgical procedures (VLNT and LVA) significantly reduced the need for both compression garment use (p = 0.003) and lymphedema therapy (p < 0.0001). The overall rate of cellulitis decreased from 58 % before surgery to 15 % after surgery (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

When applied appropriately to properly selected patients, surgical procedures used in the treatment of lymphedema are effective and safe.     

Exercise Habits and Tobacco Use Among Male Latino Farmworkers

ABSTRACT

Migrant farmworkers risk occupational injury and are at risk for developing chronic health conditions. Exercise may enhance health and help to reduce the risk of occupational injury and/or reduce the risk of developing a chronic health condition. Little is known, however, about the exercise habits of Latino migrant farmworkers. Male Latino migrant farmworkers completed an exercise and health habits questionnaire at health screening clinics. One hundred fifty-three (58.2%) subjects reported exercising during the week. There was no difference in age between those who reported exercising and those who did not (p = .78). Only 42 (16%) of all workers reported exercising for 3 or more hours a week. Seventeen percent of the subjects reported smoking and almost 10% reported chewing tobacco. A majority of subjects do not meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) exercise guidelines. Tobacco use is highest among individuals who do not exercise. These findings suggest the need for health education interventions for this population. Additional studies are warranted to understand exercise and health habits of this population.